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Gedling Borough Council spent £70k in three months managing absences in waste teams

Andrew Topping (Local Democracy Reporter)
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Gedling Borough Council spent £70k in three months managing absences in waste teams

Gedling Borough Council spent £70,500 over three months to fund agency staff as it battled sickness and absence in its environment departments.

The authority spent the sum during the second quarter of the current financial year, between July and September, with its waste services, street care and fleet management teams affected.

The sum comes in addition to the £45,000 approved following the first quarter, between April and June, to manage the same issue.

The expenditure forms part of a wider issue within the environment budget, which the council forecasts to be £163,300 overspent by March next year.

Another additional spending in the service includes £55,000 on replacement recycling bins, while there was a £22,000 reduction in its commercial tree team due to staff vacancies.

The overspend in environment services, the documents state, is the primary contributor of an overall £58,800 overspend in the council’s revenue budget for 2021/22.

Additional incomes to the authority, including £30,000 in cemeteries due to higher-than-expected burial rates, helped to offset the overspend.

The £58,800 shortfall on the wider budget will be transferred from earmarked efficiency and innovation reserves, after it was approved on Thursday (November 4).

Bins Gedling Borough Council

Commenting in the administration’s cabinet meeting, council leader John Clarke (Lab) asked whether the authority could seek financial support for the service.

Nottinghamshire County Council is responsible for disposing of household waste, and both Cllr Clarke and Cllr David Ellis asked whether Gedling could seek funding from the county council’s Covid reserves.

In response, Alison Ball, the council’s chief finance officer, said: “It would be nice if the county council could help us out, but I’m not expecting that.

“There’s certainly no additional funding for this financial year which I’m aware of. We were given some funding, but our original estimate related to Covid was already in excess of this grant funding.

“This is where we’ve got to manage within our resources.”

The environment overspend comes after previous cabinet meetings discussed issues with missed bin collections in the borough.

The October meeting heard how parked cars blocking bin lorries and increased numbers of people working from home contributed to a surge in complaints against the authority.

Documents showed 64 per cent of complaints upheld by the council related to missed bin collections and waste services – 328 out of 510 complaints.

It came as separate figures showed bin collections were missed on more than 100 occasions between June 7 and August 2.

The council said the issue was putting a separate financial strain on its services, with lorries having to return to blocked streets at a later date to complete collections.

‘Significant reduction’ in library use but no plans to close services

Anna Whittaker (LDR reporter)
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‘Significant reduction’ in library use but no plans to close services

There has been a ‘significant reduction’ in the number of people using Nottinghamshire’s libraries – but there are no plans to close services.

Councillors raised concerns about the future of libraries in the county during the Communities Committee meeting on November 3.

Libraries were closed during the lockdown but reopened in April 2021. Many offered online services.

In last week’s budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak promised large sums to “renovate, restore and revive” public libraries.

Councillor Elizabeth Williamson (Ind) said: “I am pleased that our opening hours have been extended post Covid – but concerned about the problem of physical visits to our libraries.  With 112,087 physical visits to our libraries, I have worries that our library estate may not be fit for purpose as more and more residents go online.

“Will this council do a future report into increasing footfall in our libraries and look at bringing more services into our libraries and events?”

Derek Higton, Service Director, Transformation and Change and Service Director, Place and Communities, responded: “Absolutely, we are seeing a significant reduction in physical visits to libraries.

“Our assessment is that it is in part due to the fact that we’re still in the act of reopening all of our 58 libraries across the county.

Carlton Library
PICTURED: Carlton Library

“In Nottinghamshire, our visit numbers have been largely stable.

“There is concern amongst a number of library users, despite our libraries being Covid safe, about visiting those kind of facilities.

“In Nottinghamshire our return to normal operating is notably quicker than in many other parts of the country.”

Councillor Glynn Gilfoyle (Lab) added that he hoped Mr Higton would “fight for libraries to remain open”.

Mr Higton responded: “I suspect I am not breaking any confidence to say that the current administration is absolutely committed to retaining the current network of physical libraries.”

Crime rates fall across Notts

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Crime rates fall across Notts

New figures released today reveal that crime rates have fallen across Nottinghamshire.

The figures released today (November 4), by the Office for National Statistics show that across the East Midlands, Nottinghamshire Police has seen a big reduction in crime rates in the year to June 2021.

In total, crime in Notts fell by more than three times the national average – meaning there were around 11,000 fewer victims in the last year compared to the previous year.

Burglary plummeted by almost a third – with a drop of 31 per cent compared to the previous year.

Violence with injury fell by 17 per cent, theft fell by 22 per cent, while sexual offences also saw a reduction in figures too with a fall of seven per cent.

Figures for the same period showed knife crime also decreased by 10 per cent.

Nottinghamshire Police say the reduction in crime remains the best outside the City of London Police, which covers just a square mile of the capital.

From an East Midlands perspective, Nottinghamshire has continued to see less crime than Leicestershire, which has historically had lower volumes of crime than Nottinghamshire.

Police in Ravenshead

Chief Constable Guildford said: “It’s clear to see that crime has reduced in Nottinghamshire far more than other areas.

“As we continue to move out of the Covid restrictions we are still seeing credible reductions which means fewer victims.

“The workforce continues to work incredibly hard in serving the public and focussing upon those who cause communities angst. I admire their individual and collective efforts.  

“This shows that the reductions are not just due to the ‘covid effect’ but also our relentless pursuit of offenders who cause the most harm to our communities.

“Our force level targeting operations to tackle serious organised crime, drug dealing and other serious offences is paying dividends in bringing people to justice and keeping Nottinghamshire safe.

“Our dedicated teams including Operation Reacher, burglary, knife crime and robbery teams are now out and about every day in locations across Nottinghamshire relentlessly tackling criminals and offenders who break the law.”

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry, said: “The latest figures – showing crime rates in Nottinghamshire falling three times below the national average – are a testament to the success of our dedicated police response to incidents of crime.”

Heritage at Risk register 2021: Church in Woodthorpe and monument in Lambley feature on latest list

Gedling Eye
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Heritage at Risk register 2021: Church in Woodthorpe and monument in Lambley feature on latest list

Three buildings and monuments from across Gedling borough feature on Historic England’s annual Heritage at Risk register due to fears over their future.

The three sites of concern to Historic England include a church, monument and Abbey.

On the register are listed or protected buildings and monuments whose future is uncertain due to reasons such as structural disrepair, ownership disputes, a lack of financial viability or inappropriate development.

Entries are removed from the register when they receive major restoration or if a building has been repurposed, converted for a new use or given special legal protection from disturbance.

The historic fort at Newstead Abbey was removed from this year’s register after major repair work was carried out.

The following Gedling borough buildings and monuments feature on this year’s at-risk register…

Church of the Good Shepherd, Thackery’s Lane, Woodthorpe

PICTURED: The Church of the Good Shepherd in Woodthorpe

This Grade II-listed building was opened in 1964. The architect was Gerard Goalen and the modern design won an award from the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1966

It features beautiful stained glass windows by Patrick Reyntiens.

The at-risk register said: “The church is suffering severe concrete decay problems requiring urgent specialist attention to avoid loss of historic fabric.

“An extensive programme of grant-assisted repairs, jointly funded by Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund, successfully renewed complex roofing and ensured concrete facing panels are safe and weather tight.

“Further extensive repairs, possibly renewal, needed to mullions and glazing. Specialist advice is required.”

Round Hill, Lambley

PICTURED: Round Hill Lambley

Situated on high ground near Lambley is Round Hill.

Round Hill was previously believed to be a fort, however, more recent
excavation has revealed a mill bearing which would indicate it was a mound for an early windmill and possibly medieval in origin. History experts believe it was probably associated with the nearby manor house.

The mound is a listed monument.

The site is now featured on the at-risk register, with Historic England reporting it has ‘significant localised problems’ and ‘in decline’.

Newstead Abbey, Newstead

Newstead_Abbey
PICTURED: Newstead Abbey

The priory was built in 1165 and eventually became a post-Dissolution country house. It is now a visitor attraction and museum, set in formal gardens and parkland and also former home of the poet Lord Byron.

The at-risk register reports the building as being in a ‘poor’ condition.

It says: “By 2018, stone fragments were falling from the adjoining priory church ruin and the area was cordoned off. Historic England awarded a two-stage grant in 2018 and repairs were completed in 2020.

“Roof coverings of the main house are at the end of their effective lives. Leaks are addressed as they occur, but re-slating is now required. Development work is required as an initial step in planning for repairs.”

Historic England grant saves Newstead Abbey fort which inspired poet Lord Byron

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Historic England grant saves Newstead Abbey fort which inspired poet Lord Byron

A historic fort and dock which is said to have sparked the imagination of poet Lord Byron at Newstead Abbey has been saved.

Work to save the mock fort and dock was carried out after a grant was awarded by Historic England.

The structure had previously been under their ‘under threat’ list.

The mock fort and dock was built by the fifth Lord Byron around 1750 as an ‘eye-catcher’ to be seen across the lake from his home at Newstead Abbey.

It also served as a mooring and suitably evocative backdrop for the ship which he kept on the lake for entertaining friends with recreations of naval battles.

PICTURED: Work being carried out to repair the fort after a grant was awarded by Historic England
Newstead Abbey
PICTURED: Newstead Abbey (IMAGE: Gedling Eye)

His son, the famous Romantic poet who we know as the Lord Byron, was no doubt influenced by the gothic surroundings of Newstead Abbey in his writing.

A spokesman for Historic England said: “By 2018, though structurally sound, masonry repairs were needed on the fort.

“Historic England awarded a grant for this work, and the repairs were undertaken in 2019 and 2020.

“Incidents of anti-social behaviour increased during the COVID-19 lockdowns, but the situation is improving, and this eccentric building and registered Newstead Park in which it sits, can be appreciated once more by the people of Nottingham.”

This project followed on from the Historic England grant-aided repair of Newstead Abbey’s iconic west front, which had long been at risk.

Trading standards issue fireworks advice to people in Gedling borough as Bonfire Night and Diwali fast approaches

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Trading standards issue fireworks advice to people in Gedling borough as Bonfire Night and Diwali fast approaches

People in Gedling borough planning fireworks celebrations for Bonfire Night and Diwali are being offered safety advice from Nottinghamshire County Council‘s Trading Standards team.

The team is advising people to take note of safety advice when it comes to purchasing and setting off fireworks. 

The top advice includes only purchasing fireworks from licensed sellers, looking out for the CE or UKCA mark on goods and remembering that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase fireworks. 

Anyone planning a home display should also be aware that category F2 and F3 fireworks require different safety distances, so the team is asking people to check the requirements, keeping the size of their garden in mind. 

Though both Bonfire Night and Diwali mean that fireworks are allowed past 11pm, anyone setting them off must be aware that different curfews are in place (midnight for Bonfire Night and 1am for Diwali).

Fireworks

Trish Hennessy, trading standards team manager, said: “We know that many people may be planning home firework displays, and so it’s really important for everyone to take note of the safety advice – not just for themselves, but also for their guests. 

“If you have purchased fireworks, it’s really important to read the box as this will tell you important things like how far away people need to stand back once they are lit. 

“We cannot emphasise enough that if you don’t understand the instructions or warnings, it’s best not to use the firework. 

“It’s also a good idea to give neighbours warning that you will be setting off fireworks so they can plan in advance for any pets which might be affected. 

“When it comes to pets, if you have them and will be setting off fireworks, we recommend keeping dogs and cats inside and making sure they have somewhere to hide. 

“If you have small outdoor pets, it’s a good idea to give them extra bedding and nesting material to burrow in as fireworks may frighten them. 

“We want everyone to have a safe and happy Bonfire Night and Diwali, so please keep our advice in mind before purchasing and lighting fireworks this weekend.”

Garage extension and tree reduction works amongst planning applications in Gedling borough this week

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Garage extension and tree reduction works amongst planning applications in Gedling borough this week

Plans for new signage at Nando’s and an application for a new builder’s merchant near Colwick are among the planning applications that have been made this week across Gedling borough

Every week dozens of planning applications are submitted to the council – and the recent coronavirus pandemic has not changed that.

Here is the list of applications that have been submitted and validated by Gedling Borough Council in the last week.

Visit the council site HERE the links below to find out more and to have your say…

Arnold

Extension of existing garage at ground floor and construct new first floor above, hip to gable extension, 2 storey front extension, front dormers, rooflights to rear and render dwelling.
361 Mapperley Plains Arnold
Ref. No: 2021/1231

Construct single storey rear extension and new rear deck
10 Stolle Close Arnold NG5 6RW
Ref. No: 2021/1206

Bestwood

No planning this week.

Burton Joyce

Two storey extension to dwelling and granny annexe to replace garage and outbuilding.
153 Lambley Lane Burton Joyce NG14 5BN
Ref. No: 2021/1230

Non-material amendment to permission 2020/1303 (installation of window to garage of plot R4)
Glebe Farm Glebe Drive Burton Joyce Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG14 5BA
Ref. No: 2021/1214NMA

Erection of detached dwelling, formation of access and related earthworks 
35 Lambley Lane Burton Joyce Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG14 5BG
Ref. No: 2021/1171

Calverton

Planning_Gedling

Carlton

Proposed two-storey front and rear extension; loft conversion and raise the ridge 
18 Deep Furrow Avenue Carlton NG4 1RS
Ref. No: 2021/1209

Proposed dwelling to upper side garden
139 Coningswath Road Carlton NG4 3SG
Ref. No: 2021/1076 

Colwick

No planning applications this week

Daybrook

Single storey flat roofed rear extension.
182 Oxclose Lane Daybrook Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG5 6FD
Ref. No: 2021/1191PN

Gedling

Approval of details reserved by conditions 2 (materials), 4 (levels), 5 (highway details) and 7 (entrance closure details) of reserved matters approval 2021/0694
Land At Linden Grove Gedling Nottinghamshire
Ref. No: 2021/1208DOC 

Erection of replacement garage
13 Emerys Road Gedling NG4 2QR
Ref. No: 2021/0921

Lambley

No planning applications this week

Linby

No planning applications this week

Mapperley

Retention of 1.8m high timber fence and drive gates
104 Kent Road Mapperley Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG3 6BN
Ref. No: 2021/1193

Conversion of ground floor osteopaths to ground floor flat and replacement 2m high fence to side boundary
437 Westdale Lane West Mapperley NG3 6DH
Ref. No: 2021/1229

Netherfield

Submission of Details in relation to Condition 8 – Construction Emission Management Plan (CEMP) of planning permission 2020/1292.
Land Off Teal Close Netherfield Nottinghamshire
Ref. No: 2021/1179DOC

Newstead

Construct single storey rear extension
4 High Leys Drive Newstead NG15 9HQ
Ref. No: 2021/1218

Papplewick

Reduce the height of 5 Beech trees
1 Hall Cottages Hall Lane Papplewick Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG15 8FE
Ref. No: 2021/1175TCA 

Ravenshead

3 new dwellings, 2 new vehicular access from Vernon Crescent (retrospective).
81 Vernon Crescent Ravenshead Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG15 9BP
Ref. No: 2021/1202

Replacement garage
214 Longdale Lane Ravenshead NG15 9AH
Ref. No: 2021/1203 

Two storey and first floor front/side extension
10 Summercourt Drive Ravenshead Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG15 9FT
Ref. No: 2021/1201

Two storey rear, single storey extension and remodeling
5 Rowan Avenue Ravenshead NG15 9GA
Ref. No: 2021/1183

Redhill

No planning applications this week.

Stoke Bardolph

No planning applications this week

Woodborough

No planning applications this week

Woodthorpe

No planning applications this week.

Gedling Borough Council calls for low-volume firework displays to help protect animals and vulnerable people

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling Borough Council calls for low-volume firework displays to help protect animals and vulnerable people

Concerns about fireworks terrifying pets and vulnerable people has prompted Gedling Borough Council to change its displays – and support a campaign to encourage more considerate firework use.

In January, councillors unanimously agreed to introduce a number of changes to reduce the impact of fireworks.

Following this decision, the leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke, and deputy leader, Councillor Michael Payne, wrote to the government asking them to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level from fireworks sold to the public to 90dB and to support the RSPCA with their #BangOutOfOrder campaign to protect animals. 

The council said fireworks can be very stressful, especially for vulnerable people, pets, livestock and other wildlife. Not only can they cause psychological stress, but can also lead to serious injuries.

All public displays on council-owned land now need to be advertised in advance to allow residents to take precautions where needed.

The council will be promoting the RSPCA #BangOutOfOrder campaign to raise awareness of the impact of fireworks on animals and vulnerable people, highlighting precautions that can be taken.

Gedling-Borough-Council
Gedling leader John Clarke, left and deputy leader Michael Payne, right. have written to the government asking for legislation around firework noise

Local fireworks suppliers will be encouraged to stock quieter fireworks to help minimise the disruptions and the council will be working with other relevant authorities to ensure the current rules around the purchase and setting off of fireworks is enforced across the borough and county.

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “We know fireworks are often enjoyed by many residents for numerous events and occasions, but we’re also aware of the negative impact and distress they can cause to vulnerable people, pets and wildlife.

“The changes we’re making will benefit many of our residents without reducing the enjoyment for those who still want to attend or host displays.

“I’m proud that we’re are able to lead on these changes and support the RSPCA with their campaign, and I hope the government agrees to support our request, something which will make a difference to an even wider area.” 

RSPCA campaigns manager Carrie Stones said “We’d like to thank Gedling Borough Council for supporting our campaign and helping to raise awareness of the RSPCA’s concerns for animal welfare during the fireworks season. 

“We believe that quieter fireworks and advanced warning of displays is the key to helping pet owners with nervous animals to prepare in advance for any loud noises.

“We would like to encourage anyone with concerns for their animals to speak with their vet and to visit the RSPCA’s website which has plenty of tips such as creating a quiet space for your animal.”

Asda announce permanent Quiet Hour for Arnold store

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Asda announce permanent Quiet Hour for Arnold store

Asda has announced it will be introducing a permanent Quiet Hour at its Arnold store.

The “quiet hour” has been introduced to help customers with hidden disabilities.

The supermarket giant, which has a store on Front Street, has decided to launch the gesture after similar initiatives from other chains.

Last week, Tesco launched a similar initiative at its Carlton store, recognising that its stores with loud noises, bright lights and a large volume of people can be stressful for some customers.

The quieter hour will take place from 2pm to 3pm on Mondays to Thursdays.

Asda-Front-Street
PICTURED: Asda’s supermarket in Front Street

Asda’s chief supply chain officer and exec sponsor for disability Mark Simpson said: “There are an estimated 14.1 million people with a disability living in the UK, and 80 per cent of disabilities are hidden, so we hope that by introducing quieter times for customers to shop we will be able to make our stores more welcoming and inclusive for customers with additional needs.”

‘Quiet’ hours have been introduced by many supermarkets and high street retailers in recent years.

The time will see lights dimmed, music played at a quieter level and footfall reduced to hope customers with hidden disabilities cope with the pressures of doing their weekly shop.

Gedling borough fireworks and bonfire night displays and events happening this year in 2021

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling borough fireworks and bonfire night displays and events happening this year in 2021

Bonfire Night is set to return with a bang across Gedling borough with many events set to return after displays last year were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Families eager to celebrate with spectacular firework shows, toffee apples and sparklers can check out some of these top events going on in the borough.

Listings were correct at time of going to press and please be aware organisers may make changes to their events.

Woodborough Village Fireworks

November 5 – 5pm

This fireworks event is taking place at the Sports Field Bar, with a licensed bar serving top beers for £3 a pint.

Elwes Arms, Carlton

November 5 – 6pm

This event will feature a spectacular fireworks display.

There will also be a BBQ, stalls, music, and games.

Mellish RFC bonfire and Fireworks, Mapperley

November 6 – 6pm

The annual Mellish Rugby Club Bonfire and Fireworks night returns, with fireworks, a bbq and refreshments (cash only).

Tickets are £5 for adults, £2.50 for children and under-5s go in free.

fireworks_stock

Bonfire Bonanza at Notts Maze, Arnold

November 4 – 6.30pm

Tickets cost £9 for adults and £7 for a child.

The venue is hosting a professional, organised firework display in celebration of bonfire night and the start of winter celebrations.

Hot and cold food vendors will be selling foord and hot, cold and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be on sale.

There will be ride attractions for children, live music and arts and crafts stalls.

Gates will open at 6:30 and the fireworks display will be 7:30 approx.

Carlton Fireworks, Standhill Park, Carlton

November 6 – 7pm

Child £3, Adult £5, Family £15.

Back by popular demand – don’t miss 4th Carlton Scout Groups Firework and bonfire night.

Come and join us for a hot dog, burger or mushy peas and a hot drink to keep you warm while wtching the bonfire burn and over £1500 of fireworks light up the night.

Supported by Gedling Borough Council and multiple local businesses.

Bonfire Night, Top Club, Calverton

November 6 – 7.30pm

Tickets are £2 for adults and under-14s are free.

As well as a firework display there will be food and drinks available, including mushy peas, cheesy chips, burgers and chilli jacket potatoes.

Find out more HERE

Papplewick YFC Bonfire and Fireworks Display, Ravenshead Farm Shop

November 5 – 6pm

Bonfire and fireworks along with pie and peas, hot drinks and a bar

No entrance fee however they will be taking cash donations on the gate for their chosen charity.

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